British National Formulary

HC Deb 16 December 1957 vol 580 cc23-4

18. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the usefulness of the British National Formulary, if he will arrange for its more frequent revision and distribution.

Mr. Walker-Smith

A revised Formulary is published by the British Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain at intervals of about 2½ years, and I understand that it would not be practicable to do so more frequently.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the very high cost of drugs to the country and the importance of this guide to medical practitioners, would the Minister consider issuing it at least every year?

Mr. Walker-Smith

As the right hon. Lady may know, we have recently had the 1957 edition, and my information is that this periodicity is satisfactory. Having got the new edition, I think we had better wait and see how we get along.